Why?” (It Chose Me)

Why…?

Why did you join her…? (Why)

[faint] Hush now, little flames… don’t you cry…

Why did I join her?—you cut it in two

Like there was a road I refused to choose

Like I stood at a crossroads, steady and free—

I didn’t choose this… (why)

it chose me.

Smoke in my lungs, steel in my hand

Raised in the ruin you taught me to stand

Every step forward, every decree—

I didn’t choose this… (hush little flame)

it chose me.

I stood on your walls, I learned your war

Heard the same prayers a thousand times before

Win or lose, it’s all the same— (why)

Another grave, another name

(faint) Close your eyes… the dark will pass…

Why… why… does it never end? (Hush little flame)

Why does the fire never die?

Why do we trade our lives for time?

Why do we call this holding on

When everything we love is gone?

You taught me how to stand and bleed

But not how to stop what’s hunting me

So when she said it could be done—

I didn’t choose this… (hush little flame)

I was the one.

There was a time I was marked to ride

A place at the Prophet’s side

Then something faded—I felt it go (why)

No voice, no fire, just silence below

Like I was chosen—then denied

Why…?

Strongcastle burned, you held your ground

Smallwater shook but still we stand

Why… do we call that victory

When all it is… is memory?

You gave me courage, I won’t deny

But courage just teaches a man how to die

I kept waiting for something more— (why)

(soft) Hush now, little flames… stay asleep…

A reason worth all we’re dying for

(Hush little flame)

Why does the fire never die?

Why do we live just to survive?

Why does the end stay out of reach

No matter what the stories preach?

You taught me how to take the pain

She taught me we could break the chain

So when she showed another way—

I didn’t choose this… (hush little flame)

I couldn’t stay.

I know there’s something in her gaze

Something older than our days

But it sees me… doesn’t turn (why)

Like I’m still something it can burn

There was a voice that used to call

Now there’s nothing there at all

[cold] Hush now… don’t you cry…

Why… why… was I let go?

Why…? (Why)

Because you taught me how to fight—

[soft] Hush now, little flames… (hush)

…and she taught me how to end it.

I didn’t choose this…

it chose me.

Why…